Ochsner St. Mary slates 'flu fair,' offers vaccinations

Flu season is here, and it’s time to roll up your sleeves for a flu shot.

On Saturday, Oct. 29, Ochsner St. Mary will offer an option to get a flu shot in St. Mary Parish with the hospital’s walk-in flu fair for patients ages 8 years and older.

Appointments are preferred.

Patients should visit Ochsner.org/flu for more information and call 1-866-OCHSNER or visit MyOchsner.org to book appointments for the whole family.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, flu shots prevented an estimated 7.52 million illnesses, 3.69 million medical visits, 105,000 hospitalizations and 6,300 deaths due to influenza during the 2019-2020 season, the final pre-pandemic season.

The CDC has attributed recent low flu levels due to COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

With most masking and other mitigation efforts lifted, the flu vaccine remains the best protection from severe illness for you and your loved ones.

All individuals ages six months and older are recommended by the CDC to receive an annual flu shot. New this flu season is the recommendation for people 65 years or older to receive a higher dose and adjuvanted flu vaccinations to help create a stronger immune response.

Flu symptoms are typically abrupt and include body aches, fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion.

Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, so testing may be needed to confirm a diagnosis.